Alumni Spotlight: From RCC to Randolph-Macon College
For Layla Gaines, attending Rappahannock Community College was the perfect foundation for future success. While still in high school and enrolled in the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, she also completed an associate degree at RCC—a challenge that required balance, commitment, and determination.
“Attending RCC was a great experience! The flexibility of online courses and the amazing staff who helped explain my path to success allowed me to accomplish my goals,” said Gaines.
Balancing academics with athletics and high school commitments wasn’t easy. “The main challenge I overcame was time management. I had a goal to finish my classes in about two years, and between being a student athlete and a high school student, there wasn’t much time. However, with RCC’s faster semesters and online options, I was able to squeeze in classes during my free time and really thrive academically.”
Now a member of the Randolph-Macon College Class of 2026, she credits RCC for setting her on a strong academic path. “Because I attended RCC, I’ll graduate a year earlier from my four-year college. That means I can enter the workforce sooner and begin achieving even more of my goals.”
Layla is majoring in mathematics and recently completed an internship in New York City focusing on jewelry merchandising. “I’m considering a career in merchandising and would also love to use my mathematics knowledge to help tutor children who may struggle financially to pay a tutor,” she added.